Bill Meltzer: Flyers Add Znarok and Simpson to Hockey Ops, Focus on Euro Players

Former Flyer. Enforcer. Same town as Clarke.

Shocking.

Former Flyer. Enforcer. Same town as Clarke.

Shocking.
- flyer_nutter

Hadn't worked a day in the organization in 32 years. Marc Bergevin is the one who first saw potential in him on the scouting side after his experience as an AGM in the KHL. Clarke's part in his story was tied to his playing career not post-playing.

Cole Caulfield, Martin St Louis, Johnny Gaudreau. I've seen Denver Barkey a couple times and the kid is a standout each and every time. Can Barkey be anywhere close to the small wingers I've named? I know I'm tired of hearing that we should have chose Cole Caulfield every year.

Massive, massive traffic jams in the Upper Darby/Broomall area of Philly because of JG viewing. Cars stalled for 15-30 mins at lights.

Cole Caulfield, Martin St Louis, Johnny Gaudreau. I've seen Denver Barkey a couple times and the kid is a standout each and every time. Can Barkey be anywhere close to the small wingers I've named? I know I'm tired of hearing that we should have chose Cole Caulfield every year.
- roenick97

Barkley is likely a middle 6 winger. I dont think he will be as good as the guys you named. Jett is the only one with a small chance to hit a top line ceiling and even then its unlikely. He is also likely a 2nd line player

Former Flyer. Enforcer. Same town as Clarke.

Shocking.
- flyer_nutter

Did you read what Bill wrote? He played 1 game with the flyers so to say he was an enforcer for the flyers is just BS.

Seem like smart moves by the Flyers. They haven’t really been a team to tap in to Russian players but certainly they’ve been moving in that direction the last couple years. Keep developing the relationship with the Russian leagues and teams and this helps with the players.

https://heavy.com/sports/...gs-flyers-ristolanen/amp/

https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/detroit-red-wings/trade-pitch-wings-flyers-ristolanen/amp/
- missingmike

A fan proposed trade…thanks lol. Would obviously make this trade from the flyers perspective, a no brainer

https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/detroit-red-wings/trade-pitch-wings-flyers-ristolanen/amp/
- missingmike

I guess they would get out from Risto’s deal for an additional 2 years….other then that I’d pass.

https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/detroit-red-wings/trade-pitch-wings-flyers-ristolanen/amp/
- missingmike

In what world is he a star? 🌟 😆 And his health status is uncertain at best.

In what world is he a star? 🌟 😆 And his health status is uncertain at best.
- THE EVIL WITHIN

jd the 250's world

great move by chuckles

Flyers best defenseman - don't you know

Seem like smart moves by the Flyers. They haven’t really been a team to tap in to Russian players but certainly they’ve been moving in that direction the last couple years. Keep developing the relationship with the Russian leagues and teams and this helps with the players.
- mikeyo27

Ed’s rollin over in his grave, but it’s the right move and long overdue.

Wow, only one complaint about Reid Simpson? What a great day in Flyerland!

A fan proposed trade…thanks lol. Would obviously make this trade from the flyers perspective, a no brainer
- ClaudeFather

Who is the star defenseman they mention? I only see Ristolainen's name.

Looks like the Flyers want to get eyes on Ryabkin for the 2025 draft...

I would love to add (at the current moment)

1) Hagens (Speed, good overall game)
2) Frondell (Puck control, overall game)
3) Ryabkin (Offensive skill, shot)
4) Misa (Speed, IQ)

Martone would be perfect for SJ, so no need for them to win the lottery...

I would feel A LOT better if the Flyers had a young cornerstone center. Contender? Nope, but it would put them much closer to the NJ tier.

Who is the star defenseman they mention? I only see Ristolainen's name.







- MBFlyerfan

Who cares as long as they take that contract..

Looks like the Flyers want to get eyes on Ryabkin for the 2025 draft...

I would love to add (at the current moment)

1) Hagens (Speed, good overall game)
2) Frondell (Puck control, overall game)
3) Ryabkin (Offensive skill, shot)
4) Misa (Speed, IQ)

Martone would be perfect for SJ, so no need for them to win the lottery...

I would feel A LOT better if the Flyers had a young cornerstone center. Contender? Nope, but it would put them much closer to the NJ tier.
- Glak18

I agree with your comment about a centre. I'd really like them to get a potential 1D and 1C in the next draft. I fully expect a regression for the team's performance this year and I feel like the FO assessed that the 25 draft was stronger than this year's and that's what they're focussed on.

I agree with your comment about a centre. I'd really like them to get a potential 1D and 1C in the next draft. I fully expect a regression for the team's performance this year and I feel like the FO assessed that the 25 draft was stronger than this year's and that's what they're focussed on.
- Hextall271

I agree the Flyers need to bolster their defense, but where I am torn is all about the IF category...

Drysdale played what 20 some games for the Flyers? If the Flyers drafted him initially fans would be hyped, but the fact the Flyers have a history more than the player with injuries is what is scary to most. Still super young and has a way to grow, same with York. Sanheim showed he can easily replace Provorov's minutes and IMO be better.

The Flyers getting that cornerstone young center I think goes further than that potential #1 D guy right now...unless that #1 D is a generational one.

I'm not overly optimistic, but the Flyers strength is their wings and their depth:

Wing (NHL): Konency, Michkov, Tippett, Farabee, Foerster, Brink

Tuomaala, Desnoyers, Ciernik, Kaplan, Powell, Pautov, Knuble, Bump


They get that #1 center to fit in their and the options open up tremendously. If the Flyers can get a more consistent night in/night out offensive threat then that takes some pressure off the D and then the goaltending. It also allows them to take more risks when tinkering with the D corp.

My biggest fear the team thinks what they have is good enough, they really need to get that star/elite center this draft or next.

5 year plan:
2022: Cutter -> (Disgruntled turns into Drysdale (potential)
2023: Michkov -> Potental elite winger
2024: Luchanko -> (Reach) Potential solid depth
2025: ??
2026: ??

That superstar center makes that list look amazing, otherwise another teen pick of a depth guy makes it look very sad.

As one of my predictions yesterday I had Fox regretting having Tom Brady as their #1 color guy. He is getting killed this morning on social media, but I didn't think he was that bad. Not sure why they didn't bring him in at #2 or #3 and let him work his way up. Olsen is much better than him! Anyway, my point here is that he actually said some insightful things at the end of the broadcast. They were talking about Mike Zimmer and how tough he is, and then Brady mentioned that he played for a tough coach for most of his career and appreciated it (said he didn't mind being criticized at all and it made him the player that he became). I guess tough coaches like Torts aren't so bad after all. You just need your players not to be a bunch of self entitled wusses!!

As one of my predictions yesterday I had Fox regretting having Tom Brady as their #1 color guy. He is getting killed this morning on social media, but I didn't think he was that bad. Not sure why they didn't bring him in at #2 or #3 and let him work his way up. Olsen is much better than him! Anyway, my point here is that he actually said some insightful things at the end of the broadcast. They were talking about Mike Zimmer and how tough he is and then Brady mentioned that he played for a tough coach for most of his career and appreciated it (said he didn't mind being criticized at all and it made him the player that he became). I guess tough coaches like Torts aren't so bad after all. You just need your players not to be a bunch of self entitled wusses!!
- Phillywhiteout

I thought Brady was fine. Did very well for his first game.

As one of my predictions yesterday I had Fox regretting having Tom Brady as their #1 color guy. He is getting killed this morning on social media, but I didn't think he was that bad. Not sure why they didn't bring him in at #2 or #3 and let him work his way up. Olsen is much better than him! Anyway, my point here is that he actually said some insightful things at the end of the broadcast. They were talking about Mike Zimmer and how tough he is and then Brady mentioned that he played for a tough coach for most of his career and appreciated it (said he didn't mind being criticized at all and it made him the player that he became). I guess tough coaches like Torts aren't so bad after all. You just need your players not to be a bunch of self entitled wusses!!
- Phillywhiteout

It depends on the player. Some guys have that mental fortitude and not only adapt but thrive with a tougher coach. Others struggle. While others adapt on the fly.
I thought Brady got better as the game went on.

I agree the Flyers need to bolster their defense, but where I am torn is all about the IF category...

Drysdale played what 20 some games for the Flyers? If the Flyers drafted him initially fans would be hyped, but the fact the Flyers have a history more than the player with injuries is what is scary to most. Still super young and has a way to grow, same with York. Sanheim showed he can easily replace Provorov's minutes and IMO be better.

The Flyers getting that cornerstone young center I think goes further than that potential #1 D guy right now...unless that #1 D is a generational one.

I'm not overly optimistic, but the Flyers strength is their wings and their depth:

Wing (NHL): Konency, Michkov, Tippett, Farabee, Foerster, Brink

Tuomaala, Desnoyers, Ciernik, Kaplan, Powell, Pautov, Knuble, Bump


They get that #1 center to fit in their and the options open up tremendously. If the Flyers can get a more consistent night in/night out offensive threat then that takes some pressure off the D and then the goaltending. It also allows them to take more risks when tinkering with the D corp.

My biggest fear the team thinks what they have is good enough, they really need to get that star/elite center this draft or next.

5 year plan:
2022: Cutter -> (Disgruntled turns into Drysdale (potential)
2023: Michkov -> Potental elite winger
2024: Luchanko -> (Reach) Potential solid depth
2025: ??
2026: ??

That superstar center makes that list look amazing, otherwise another teen pick of a depth guy makes it look very sad.
- Glak18

Good points. I think 1C and 1D are equally important as it will start to let players slot into roles that they are better suited for. I have big concerns about Drysdale. This is a huge year for him to show he can stay healthy. Regardless, he's not a true top dman IMO. I really like York and hope he can continue to progress but they'll still need a top Dman or maybe 2 for the first pair. The whole thing is symbiotic. Good two way O helps take pressure off the D and G. Good puck movement from the D allows for a better transition and opportunities for the O, Solid goaltending breeds confidence that D and O take more opportunistic changes etc etc.. To me, one stark and important weakness of the current team is a sad sack PP that saps momentum and does not hold their opponents accountable for penalties they take. To fix this, they need better overall talent. MM will help, but we also need a C and proper PP QB (is that Drysdale? I don't know.)

I can't imagine that the team thinks that what they have in the system currently is enough. They have 3 1st round picks (and 6 in about the first 50) in 25 for a reason. I'd add more if they can and REAALLY re stock the system but as you say we need an elite centre so we have to pray we are very bad this year and get a top 5 guy.

I thought Brady was fine. Did very well for his first game.
- MBFlyerfan

Agreed, there was some awkward dead space early, but the other guy covered for him, and he seemed to get more comfortable as the game went along. I mean, he is never going to be a dynamic personality, but he should be insightful as he gets more comfortable.